"[Looking North - Military Drill] To the Cadets of the West Point Military Academy This Print Is Respectfully Dedicated by Their Friend and Servant Geo. Catlin", Catlin, George

This lovely aquatint looks north across the West Point Military Academy parade ground. Several rows of military cadets, dressed in formal attire, are in the process of a drill at left. In the foreground, visitors to the academy admire the scene. In the background is the Hudson River flanked by several mountains, including Crow's Nest, Butter Hill and Breakneck Mountain. Drawn by George Catlin and engraved, printed and colored by John Hill.

George Catlin's beloved brother, Julius, attended West Point from 1820-24, which served as part of George's inspiration for creating a pair of views of the famed academy from both northern and southern perspectives. George Catlin was an American artist and traveler who devoted most of his career to using his art to illustrate the customs of the American Indian. Catlin is best known for his important early works on Native Americans. He painted over 600 pictures of the people and their cultural life from 48 different tribes. The work was first published in 1841 as Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians, and was reissued several times.

John Hill was a British born artist who specialized in watercolor, lithography and etching. He focused on natural subjects, including landscapes, still lifes and ornithological subjects. John W. Hill and his father were two of the most talented and prolific graphic artists in New York during the early 19th century.

References: Deak #356.

Condition: B+

Attractive original color with minor color refreshing on paper with "J. Whatman Turkey Mill" watermark. There are a few tiny spots and professional repairs to a few small chips and tears confined to blank margins. There is moderate toning on verso.